FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2009

TIA Maps Out Plan to Enhance Wireless Innovation and Market Competition

Manufacturers Urge FCC to Increase Spectrum Access, Show Restraint on Imposing Handset Exclusivity Rules or Spectrum Caps

Washington, D.C. – In Comments filed responding to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) inquiries into wireless technology innovation, investment and market competition, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) urged the FCC to increase the amount of commercial spectrum available, support R&D that will produce innovative wireless technologies, and embrace pro-competitive regulations that will drive wireless market competition, increase investment and innovation, and speed new wireless products to market.

In its comments in the FCC's Innovation proceeding, TIA made clear that scarcity of spectrum for commercial use is among the most significant threats chilling wireless market innovation and investment.

"Without increased spectrum designated for commercial use, there will be less incentive for companies to provide consumers new, cutting-edge wireless technologies and services," said Danielle Coffey, TIA Vice President for Government Affairs. "Further, the FCC must continue to follow its path toward pro-competitive regulatory policies, which have resulted in and will continue to drive wireless innovation and investment. Moreover, government-funded research is essential if we are to take a leading role in wireless innovation in the future. Finally, streamlining the FCC's wireless device approval process stands to speed new technologies to market," Coffey continued.

In its comments responding to the FCC's inquiry into the state of wireless market competition, TIA urged the Commission to consider possible benefits from handset exclusivity to wireless market competition and to avoid returning to failed spectrum cap regulations.

"While TIA lauds the FCC's efforts to adopt policies that will make wireless device and service markets more competitive, we are not convinced that a ban on handset exclusivity agreements will hit the mark. Such agreements have created competition among providers scrambling to provide customers the best devices, applications, and services," Coffey noted.

"Additionally, while some parties clamor for a return to antiquated spectrum caps, which have proven ineffective in addressing competition concerns in individual markets, the FCC should acknowledge the competitive and public interest benefits resulting from its existing spectrum screen process. Returning to a spectrum cap policy, instead of maintaining the existing wireless market evaluation on a case-by-case basis, will not enhance competition," Coffey continued.

"Finally, the FCC should advocate for funding for the adoption of wireless broadband services and devices as a key component of enhancing wireless service and product competition. Wireless market competition will stagnate if potential consumers do not have access to computing technologies and understand the incredible value of wireless broadband services," Coffey concluded.

TIA's comments filed today are available on the FCC filings page at tiaonline.org.

For more information about TIA's government affairs initiatives, please contact Danielle Coffey at dcoffey@tiaonline.org. For information about TIA, please contact twalsh@tiaonline.org.

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About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment.

TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM^® tradeshow  and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, Intersect, Inc., LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, Openwave, Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Powerwave Technologies, Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

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